CONFIRMED
Faculty of Humanities
Teaching and Learning Committee
Wednesday 19 May 2010, 2.00 – 5.00pm,
Ken Kitchen Committee Room, John Owens Building
Present:
Dr. Christopher Davies
Mrs. Lisa McAleese
Mrs. Emma Rose
Prof. Jamie Woodward
Dr. Sarah Bracking
Dr. Cordelia Warr
Dr. Peter Knight
Prof. Matthew Jefferies
Mr. Andrew Bell
Dr. Steven Jones
Prof. Peter Naude
Dr. Sharon Clarke
Prof. Yoram Gorlizki
Prof. Martyn Andrews
Dr. Alyssa Phillips
Ms. Kate Little
Miss Amanda Grimshaw
Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning
Senior Faculty Taught Programmes Administrator
Senior Faculty QAE Administrator
Director of Undergraduate Students, SED
Director of Postgraduate Studies, SED
Director of Undergraduate Education, SAHC
Director of Postgraduate Education, SAHC
Director of Undergraduate Studies, SLLC
Director of Teaching and Learning, School of Law
Director of Undergraduate Studies, Education
Deputy Director MBS
MBS Director of Undergraduate Studies
Director of Undergraduate Studies, SoSS
Director of Postgraduate Studies, SoSS
Programme Director, Combined Studies
Academic Affairs Officer, Students’ Union
Admissions Officer, SoSS
By invitation:
Mr Patrick Johnson
Mr Ian Corns
University Equality and Diversity Unit
Talis
In attendance:
Ms. Angela Dignan
Ms Emma Sanders
Ms. Cath Dyson
Dr. Stella Butler
Faculty QAE Administrator (Secretary)
Faculty QAE Administrator
Faculty eLearning Manager
JRUL Representative
1. Apologies for absence
Reported:
Apologies had been received from Prof. Martyn Andrews, Mr. Andy Bell,
Mr Bob Jones and Ms Nicola Lord.
2. Minutes of the last meeting
Received
Minutes from the last meeting, held on Wednesday 3 March 2010
(HTLC/5/09).
Agreed
The minutes were agreed as an accurate record, but that Dr Peter Knight
should be added to the list of attendees.
3. Matters arising
Ref 4: Higher Education Achievement Reports (HEAR)
Reported
That Patricia Clift from the TLSO had reported via that sporting achievement,
e.g. captaincy of a University sports team, would be considered for inclusion
among extra curricular information on the HEAR at a meeting in the Autumn.
If Schools wanted other School-level activity included in the HEAR, this
should be submitted for approval via Patricia Clift.
1
CONFIRMED
Ref 5: Unit Evaluation Questionnaires: Follow up on UEQ scores
See item 7.2 on agenda papers
Ref: 6.2 Retention Funding
Reported
£130k of retention funding had been allocated to the Faculty for 2009/10, of
which £36k had been passed directly to the Teaching and Learning Office to
be used to support new projects and initiatives.. The remaining funds had
been allocated to Schools within their QT income, but it was not earmarked
as retention funding. The Faculty has been allocated £100,510 of retention
funding for 2010/11.
Tabled
Paper HTLC 6/09/13.3 on retention funding 2010/11.
Schools are invited to bid for retention funding for projects that will increase
retention and improve the student experience, by 25 June. No limit is placed
on the size of bid for funding, within reason. Effort would be made to ensure
the funds were available for the beginning of the academic year.
Ref: 9.3: Programme level spaces in Blackboard
Reported
Dr Peter Lawler would be invited to give a demonstration of the BA Econ
Blackboard space alongside a presentation of a template for programmelevel spaces, created by the Faculty eLearning Team. It was reported that
this would take place in advance of the next Teaching and Learning
Committee in June. Members would be invited to attend from 1pm and a
lunch will be provided. Interested colleagues from Schools may also attend
for lunch.
Action
Cath Dyson to arrange the presentation.
Note
This demonstration was arranged to take place at the next meeting on 17
June.
Ref: 12: Risk register
Reported
A final document outlining the procedures for monitoring and reviewing the
Faculty Risk Register in relation to Teaching and Learning had been
circulated to members.
4. Chair’s Report
4.1 Distinguished Achievement Awards
Reported
One undergraduate student from Humanities had been put forward for the
University Distinguished Achievement Award – Undergraduate Student of the
Year. However, the Committee wanted to reward the other student nominees.
This had been agreed and all nominees have received a Faculty prize,
consisting of a letter of congratulation from the Dean and a cheque for £100.
For future years, one under-graduate and one postgraduate taught student
must be nominated from each School in the Faculty. The Teaching and
learning Committee will select one undergraduate nominee for
Undergraduate Student of the Year and a Postgraduate Taught student for
the General Award. However, all 15 nominees will receive a Faculty prize.
The prizes will be funded by Schools, and commence from 2010/11. This
has been agreed by HPRC.
4.2 National Teaching Fellowship Awards 2010/11
2
CONFIRMED
Reported
The University was allowed to submit three nominations annually for National
Teaching Fellowship Awards, as the largest UK university. Only two
nominees have been put forward, and greater effort was needed to find more
nominees to put forward from Schools. The Teaching and Learning Office
could help with putting candidates in touch with previous winners; it is hoped
that winners of University level teaching awards would be able to be
nominated for national awards.
Action
The link to 2009/10 information on National Teaching Fellowship Awards to
be circulated to School Teaching and Learning Directors by Emma Rose.
4.3
Reported
The Degree Regulations and Assessment Group had met the previous week;
and discussed how assessment was carried out as well as reviewing the
regulations. The Chair would report back progress to the Committee at the
next meeting
4.4
Reported
5
Degree Regulations and Assessment Group
Manchester Learning Environment Project (MLE)
The Manchester Learning Environment Project (MLE), the upgrade to
Blackboard 9 is being configured at present. Professor Colin Stirling, the
Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, is directing the project; the Chair
is in charge of the student experience stream, looking at what students want
from the MLE. Cath Dyson would be able to give a presentation on
Blackboard 9 to the Committee at a later date, to be confirmed.
Library
5.1 Demonstration of new Reading List Software Talis Aspire
Received
A demonstration of new Reading List Software from Talis Aspire, given by Mr
Ian Corms, the Customer Experience Champion from Talis. Aspire is a
resource list management system which can embed e-content into reading
lists and online course packs. Reading lists can be created and managed
using this software, and other web content can be added, e.g. podcasts.
Aspire can be linked to Blackboard, and alert students to lists being available,
stocks of books in the Library, and also where books can be bought, through
links to booksellers such as Blackwell’s. Training in using the software would
be available via the Library.
Received
Proposal for a Reading List Strategy for the University of Manchester (paper
HTLC 6/09/5.1)
Reported
Dr Butler reported that the main problems for students in the Library centre
around accessing material from reading lists. The Library is unable to supply
the amount of books requested. The main solution to this is seen to be
digitising texts, as far as copyright licences allow, for which Talis Aspire
provides a suitable environment. The Library needed to know what should
be prioritised within reading lists for digitising, as reading lists did not follow a
standard format, and did not always show which, for example, were core
texts and which recommended reading. To address this, it is proposed that
Library staff working together with academic staff in a series of pilots in
different Schools provide Faculty based specifications for reading lists, from
which rules can be developed. These can then be brought together to inform
a strategy paper for discussion by the Teaching and Learning Committee by
the second semester of 2010/11.
6
Recruitment and Admissions
3
CONFIRMED
6.1 Annual HESA ‘Performance Indicators’ on Recruitment and
retention of Students
Received
Annual HESA ‘Performance Indicators on Recruitment and Retention of
Students (paper HTLC 6/09/6.1), compiled by Helen Barton from the
University Planning Office and Tim Westlake from SRAIDD.
Reported
Targets for widening participation are not being met nationally; the University
continues to perform better than the benchmark in recruitment of students
from low participation neighbourhoods (LPNs) at 7.4% of new entrants in
2008/09. This placed it eleventh among the twenty Russell Group
universities. The University has a relatively good retention rate, but the
number of students leaving in 2008/09 has risen by 1%. Participation by
under represented groups in the Faculty is 6.7%, with the lowest participation
being in Combined Studies, MBS and SED. The statistics for noncontinuation of students following year of entry show SAHC and Combined
Studies as having the highest percentage, with SoSS having the lowest.
Noted
Miss Grimshaw informed the Committee that from September 2010 all UCAS
application forms from applicants from an LPN background will be flagged for
information for Admissions Officers. Admissions Officers should bear this in
mind when evaluating forms and personal statements. It was acknowledged
that supporting LPN students is resource intensive.
6.2 Ethnicity and Degree Attainment
Received
A paper on Ethnicity and Degree Attainment (paper HTLC6/09/6.2). Patrick
Johnson, the Head of Equality and Diversity in the Equality and Diversity Unit,
stated that data produced by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
in 2007 indicated that there were significant differences nationally in degree
attainment between UK domiciled white and black and minority ethnic (BME)
students. Subsequent research by the Equality Challenge Unit and the
Higher Education Academy in 2008 concurred with these findings. Data on
the University mirrored this, with most Schools across the four Faculties
showing a 20% difference in the attainment of a ‘good degree’, either a First
Class or Upper Second Class, between the two groups. In Humanities most
Schools show a 20% difference. At University level, a working group,
chaired by Dr Rodger Edwards of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical
Sciences, is considering how to address the issue.
Action
Patrick Johnson to be asked by the TLO to provide further ethnicity and
degree attainment data on Schools in Humanities.
6.3 Admissions Monitoring Report for April 2010
Received
For information, a paper on Admissions Monitoring Report for April 2010
(paper HTLC 6/09/6.3).
7 Semester 1 Unit Evaluation Questionnaire (UEQ) results
7.1
Received for information the following papers:
Comparison of scores for each School (UG and PGT) from 2007/08 2009/10 for semesters one and from 2007/08 – 2008/09 for semester two
(HTLC 6/09/7.1.1)
Comparison of scores for each School’s undergraduate provision by
level from 2007/08 – 2009/10 for semester one (HTLC 6/09/7.1.2)
4
CONFIRMED
For discussion a paper on analysis of the above results (HTLC
6/09/7.1.3)
Reported
By the Chair that there was some improvement in UEQ results, for example,
satisfaction with on-line materials had gone up. It would be useful for School
Teaching and Learning Committees to reflect on this information, and
consider what was working well and why, and areas of the student
experience that may require further attention. The National Student Survey
results for 2010 when available would provide more information for
comparison. Some members considered that there may well be feedback
fatigue on the part of students. The Chair indicated that a group
may be established, chaired by the Vice-President for Teaching and Learning,
to look at what and how surveys are carried out and used. It is considered
too early yet to reduce the Net Risk (currently at 12) in the University risk
register, of failure to improve performance in student satisfaction and move
into the top quartile of Russell Group universities.
Agreed
That the TLO would present the data at discipline level where unit codes
differentiated these, and would aim to give an overall score for the year as
well as separating out semester one and semester two. This would be done
once semester two 2009/10 results were available.
Action
Emma Rose and Nicola Lord.
7.2 Processes and follow-up of UEQ scores in Schools
Received
A discussion paper on the above (paper HTLC 6/09/7.2)
Reported
By Emma Rose that she had received reports from three Schools on the
processes by which UEQ scores and data were followed up, and processes
used to disseminate good practice so identified. It appeared in general, not
just from these Schools, that there is not systematic distribution of course unit
scores to each member of teaching staff. Teaching and Learning Directors
should give thought as to how this process could be improved.
8
University Feedback Policy
Received
A paper on Policy on Feedback to Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught
Students (paper HTLC 6/09/8)
Reported
That the Feedback Policy had now been approved by Senate, and it is now
a University requirement. The timescale by which feedback on formative
assessment and assessed coursework had to be given to students is 15
working days after the final submission deadline, not including vacations.
Monitoring of the operation of this would have to be carried out; penalties for
not providing feedback had not yet been decided.
Point 16 of the policy referred to feedback on examinations; students had the
right to request to see their examination scripts and coursework without
charge, but not take the actual scripts away as these had to be retained by
the University for 12 months; a revised version of the policy removes the
reference to copies of scripts not being allowed to be taken away by the
student.
Action
A copy of the revised Feedback Policy to be sent to Teaching and Learning
Directors. Queries should be directed to Lisa McAleese in the Faculty TLO.
9
Quality Assurance
5
CONFIRMED
Received
Proposals from the Faculty’s Quality Assurance Working Group for changes
to annual monitoring reporting and periodic review (paper HTLC 6/09/09)
Reported
That a Faculty quality assurance working group had been convened to
consider annual monitoring and periodic review processes as they currently
are, and how they can be improved. Annual monitoring needed to be more
interrogative; with a flexible pro forma to incorporate specific initiatives but
maintaining a common core; programme directors being allowed to take
ownership of the process. Periodic review would consist of a rolling
programme of reviews covering discipline/cognate groups over a five year
period,which would include a review of School level activity and strategy.
Noted
That there was not a consensus for approval of the proposals; these would
be considered further at School level, and also within the TLO.
10
Submission of PGT dissertations to eScholar
Received
For information, a paper circulated by the Chair on PGT dissertations. This
formed part of a paper circulated by the Head of the University Teaching and
Learning Support Office to Heads of Schools and Heads of School
Administration for consultation. The proposal is that is in specific cases,
agreed via the programme approval and/or amendment process, certain
Master’s programmes can replace the 60 credit dissertation element with
other forms of specified structured learning/assessed work. This would pave
the way for Professional Master’s programmes to be introduced, allowing
more specialised work, for example related to a particular profession, to
replace the dissertation. If accepted by Senate, a change would be made to
paragraph 3e of the University’s postgraduate taught degree regulations.
Reported
That it would no longer be a requirement for postgraduate students to submit
dissertations this year using the Library’s eScholar facility. Dissertations
could eventually be submitted via Blackboard, which would also offer an
archiving option. eScholar could act as an electronic repository for the best
dissertations.
11
Process for Nominating and Awarding the University of Manchester
Awards for Outstanding Academic Achievement 2010
Received
A paper on the nomination and award process for the above (paper HTLC
6/09/11).
Reported
By Lisa McAleese that the Faculty of Humanities has been allocated 13 of 30
Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards, to be awarded to
undergraduate students graduating in summer 2010 who achieve a final
degree classification of 75% or above, as nominated by School Examination
Boards. Nominations will be considered by the Associate Dean Teaching
and Learning and the Senior Taught Programmes Administrator, and the
award winners will receive a University of Manchester certificate in a
presentation case; a personalised, engraved glass award and a cheque for
£100.
12
Manchester Success Scholarship Scheme 2010/11 - Suggested
Programmes for Inclusion
Received
A paper on the Manchester Success Scholarship 2010/11 (paper HTLC
6/09/12).
Reported
By Lisa McAleese that 105 Manchester Success Scholarships of £1250 each
are available to reward students who achieve A grades at A level. A list of
programmes was put forward for 2009, last year 29 students from Humanities
6
CONFIRMED
were awarded Scholarships. In order to maximise the opportunities for
students to receive awards, a further list of programmes is suggested, but
are these the right programmes to target recruitment.
Reported
That SLLC is happy with the list of programmes previously provided to the
Faculty for inclusion in the scheme.
Agreed
That the list should be circulated to Schools Admissions Officers to ascertain
if the suggested programmes are those that should be put forward for awards.
Secretary's note: The Associate Dean (T&L) will discuss which programmes
are to be included in the Scheme at a meeting with Admissions Officers on
30 June 2010.
13
eLearning and Blended Learning
13.1 eLearning Update
Received
For information, an information update on eLearning matters (paper HTLC
6/09/13.1)
Reported
That the Chair had met with Teaching and Learning Directors regarding the
Faculty eLearning Operational Plan. The aim of the Faculty Plan is to take
forward and further embed eLearning to improve teaching quality, enhance
the student experience and realise efficiencies. The Plan would be available
for consultation from 24 May to 18 June. The end objective is to have School
level plans embedded for eLearning. Disciplines will be asked to identify 2 or
3 key areas in which eLearning can play a role.
In the Best on Blackboard competition, students had nominated the
Blackboard resource they had found most useful in their current programme.
Three teaching staff from SoSS had been highly commended by the judges,
with one staff member from Languages, Linguistics and Cultures also being
highly commended.
Seventeen projects from Humanities had been accepted for Teaching
Enhancement and Student Success (TESS) funding, targeted at the
development of online learning approaches which impact the student
experience in the areas of student engagement and assessment and
feedback. Examples of methods of dissemination of results of projects could
be via posters, with support from the eLearning team, or presenting at a
Faculty Teaching and Learning Forum during 2010/11.
13.2 Proposal for Enhancement Themes for forthcoming meetings
Received
A paper proposing embedding enhancement activity into the Teaching and
Learning Committee activities (paper HTLC 6/09/13.2)
Noted
The proposal to precede alternate meetings of the TLC in 2010/11 with a
discussion/dissemination session for up to one hour, to include as
appropriate colleagues from Schools, as invited by members. Proposed
topics might be demonstrations of eLearning tools; effectiveness of the
Personalised Learning Agenda and implementation of the Feedback policy.
14
Any other business
14.1
The Committee noted the fact that Easter falls late during 2011 and
Schools may want to consider introducing a reading week between weeks 10
and 11 of semester 2.
7
CONFIRMED
14.2
Lisa McAleese reported that a member of staff from the Student
System Office has been working on a project to develop the undergraduate
examination grids. As part of the project Campus Solutions will be enabled to
calculate the year mark to 3 decimal places. Discussion around this item
will be deferred to the next meeting of TLC.
15
Date of Next Meeting
Thursday 17 June 2010, 2.00 – 5.00 pm in University Place room 5.207.
8